Phrases & Expressions

To create a false or misleading impression of a situation.

• Average salary figures can give a distorted picture of how much most people actually earn.
• News reports that focus only on crime give a distorted picture of life in big cities.

To express thanks and admiration, especially to God or a god in religious worship.

• Hymns are sung in many churches to give praise to God for a successful harvest.
• Ancient farming communities held festivals to give praise to the gods of rain and sunshine.

To look at someone in a way that shows scorn or strong disapproval.

• When I suggested cancelling the trip, my sister gave me a withering look that made me regret it instantly.
• The teacher gave the noisy students a withering look, and the room fell silent.

To help the economy become stronger or more active, especially for a short time.

• Hosting the international games gave the local economy a lift, with hotels and restaurants fully booked.
• Lower interest rates are expected to give the economy a lift later this year.

To experience something extremely painful, frightening or exhausting.

• The passengers went through a terrible ordeal when their ship was stuck at sea for five days.
• After going through such an ordeal, the survivors needed months of counselling and support.

To hide your real identity and pretend to be someone else in order to collect secret information.

• A journalist went undercover in a clothing factory to expose the poor conditions that workers faced.
• The detective went undercover for two years to gather evidence against the drug gang.

To officially forgive someone for a crime and cancel their punishment.

• The president granted the journalist a pardon after a long international campaign for her release.
• Decades after his death, the government granted him a pardon, admitting that his conviction had been a mistake.

A rough, harsh voice that is uncomfortable to listen to for long.

• The presenter's grating voice made the podcast almost impossible to listen to.
• I like the melody of the song, but the singer's grating voice spoils it for me.

A reputation for caring about the environment and acting in ways that protect it.

• Environmental groups accused the airline of exaggerating its green credentials in its latest advertising campaign.
• Voters are increasingly suspicious of politicians who boast about their green credentials but support new coal mines.

To twist your face into an ugly expression because something hurts.

• The footballer grimaced in pain as he was carried off the pitch on a stretcher.
• Every time she tried to stand up, she grimaced in pain and held her injured knee.